Introduced about the same time – and with much the same engine – the Mazda MX5 and Australian-built Mercury Capri couldn’t have had more different career arcs. Thing of it is, it didn’t need to be that way. While still FWD, the Fiesta XR2-based 1983 Ghia Barchetta came within a hair’s breadth of becoming a reality. The concept itself is very much real, its 86-bhp kent four and four-speed manual drivetrain fully functioning, and presently in private hands. Poofy hair and sweaters over the shoulders may no longer be in fashion, but this little Barchetta is still a total looker, even now 30 years later.

This is the first I've heard of this car. I think it would have sold if produced, but alas it was for Europe only. Yet again.

Vavon

Don't feel bad, this was a concept car, Europe didn't get this car either!

JayP2112

The actual car was just a beancounter's version of this.

When this version of the Capri came out, my pal Nigel (doesn't everyone have a pal named Nigel?) had me come to his house the day after Christmas to check out a book he got. An encyclopedia of Ford products. Every stinking thing. 600 pages.

And there was this picture of Brad standing by the Barchetta that should have been.

Instead, it was suck. Maybe the XR2 would run but even Motorweek, the damn motoring authority thought it was crap. The Miata made the Capri its bitch.

What's the deal with the capri? In my search for a summer convertible I can neither afford nor stable I ran across a bunch of 'em for sale reasonably cheap with a range of options. One with a turbo, one with low mileage, one that's been kept really well, and a couple that are showing their age but still running around. All reasonably affordable. Did these just suffer from a wrong place wrong time or are they pretty crappy? Wiki lists some electrical stuff but it sounds like a fun unique little car to tool around in. And backseats are a bonus even if they just fit a schnauzer. Or a bag. Or a bag with a schnauzer in it.

Rover1

Like someone was handed a blurred photocopy of an MX5 and told to get on with it, and make it wrong wheel drive with extra seats, while you're at it. And then they got drunk and did it. Possibly the main reason that Ford USA currently doesn't want products from Ford Australia.

I had a Capri that I used as a daily driver for 100,000 miles. As long as you think of it as a Karman Ghia and not a 356 it's fine. I vote for wrong place wrong time. The top has sealing problems at the c-pillars on every one I've ever seen, though.

Alcology

Does the hardtop remedy those sealing issues?

http://www.flowerpowerkc.com Alff

In the realm of would, coulda, shoulda … If Peter Brock had his way, this would have been the TR-7.